The Miami Heat superstar confirmed reports before Thursday’s game against the Chicago Bulls that he will co-star with Kevin Hart in the comedy Ballers. The diminutive comedian plays the brother of an NBA star who gets a chance to prove himself at a fantasy basketball camp in Miami.

James says the opportunity to work with Hart was a product of their “friendship” and “mutual respect.” He says the role is “something I could relate to, as far as fantasy basketball and guys wanting to be basketball players” who “never had really had the great opportunity to be a professional athlete.”

Is it the shoes?

Nike Inc.’s new, $200-plus LeBron 11 basketball shoes have a lot of fans. But one important customer isn’t yet fully sold: James himself.

In the 18 games played since the season opened, the four-time league Most Valuable Player has worn the 11s for only two full games, spending most of his time on court wearing last year’s LeBron X model.

On a few occasions, including a Nov. 12 game against the Milwaukee Bucks, James started the game in his latest shoe but partway through switched into last season’s model. During Tuesday night’s game against the Detroit Pistons, he sported a version of the older LeBrons from the opening tip.

On Nov. 25, the last time James wore the 11s for an entire game, he scored 35 points with five rebounds and four assists, leading his Heat over the Phoenix Suns 107-92.